Cheese And Cracker Pairing: Fig, Olive, And Cheesy Delights

Fig and olive crackers are a delicious snack, but what cheese goes well with them? The salty taste of Kalamata olives and the sweetness of figs create a rich, complex flavour that pairs well with bold, tangy cheeses. Some options include goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese. If you're looking for something softer, brie or triple crème cheese are also great choices. For those who want a harder cheese, aged gouda or sharp cheddar are good options. To really elevate your cracker and cheese experience, try adding some honey, jam, or olive tapenade on the side.

Soft cheeses like chèvre, brie, or triple-crème cheese

Chèvre, or goat's cheese, is a tangy, creamy cheese that can be spread on the crackers or served as a dip. Its tangy flavour complements the sweetness of the figs, while the creaminess of the cheese is a nice contrast to the crunch of the crackers.

Brie is another soft cheese that goes well with the crackers. Its mild, buttery flavour and creamy texture make it a good match for the sweetness of the figs and the saltiness of the olives. Warm brie with a drizzle of honey is a particularly delicious pairing.

Triple-crème cheese, such as a triple-crème brie, is also a good option. It has a rich, creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour that won't overwhelm the other flavours in the crackers.

When creating a cheese board with fig and olive crackers, consider adding a variety of soft cheeses, including chèvre, brie, or triple-crème cheese, to enhance the flavour experience. These cheeses offer a nice contrast in texture and flavour to the crackers, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable snack.

Sharp cheddar, pepper jelly, or boursin

Sharp Cheddar

The pairing of sharp cheddar and sweet fig is a match made in heaven. The sharpness of the cheddar beautifully complements the sweetness of the fig olive crackers. This combination is a simple yet delicious snack. You can top the crackers with a small wedge of cheddar and add a dollop of fig spread or jam. Alternatively, you can serve the fig spread in a small bowl alongside the cheddar and crackers on a larger cheese board.

Pepper Jelly

Pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can elevate your cracker and cheese experience. It offers a unique combination of sweetness and spice, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. When paired with classic crackers, the neutral flavour and crisp texture of the crackers complement the spicy jelly without overwhelming it. For a more adventurous approach, you can try flavoured crackers, such as rosemary, black pepper, or sesame, to add extra flavour and texture to your spread.

Boursin

Boursin, especially the garlic and herb variety, is a popular choice to pair with fig and olive crackers. The slightly bland sweetness of the crackers is offset by the savoury and flavourful cheese spread. Boursin provides a delightful contrast that enhances the overall taste experience. This combination is a favourite among those who enjoy a savoury and satisfying snack.

Goat's cheese and honey

A simple recipe for this pairing involves coating a log of goat's cheese with pistachios, drizzling honey over the log, and adding heated fig spread. This can be served with crackers, bread, or apple slices.

For a more complex recipe, you can quarter figs, fill them with goat's cheese, and drizzle them with honey and pepper. This recipe is described as "a showstopper" and "impressive".

Blue cheese and prosciutto

When choosing blue cheese, look for varieties such as Cambozola, English Stilton, or any bold and tangy blue cheese. The sharpness of the blue cheese will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the fig and olive crackers. If you can't find blue cheese, other strong cheeses like mature cheddar or gouda can also work well.

Prosciutto, an Italian dry-cured ham, adds a savoury and salty element to the platter. Look for good quality prosciutto, preferably sliced thinly to allow for easy eating. The salty flavour of the prosciutto will balance the sweetness of the crackers and the tanginess of the blue cheese.

To assemble the platter, start with a base of the fig and olive crackers. You can arrange them on a charcuterie board or a simple plate. Then, place a few slices of prosciutto on the board, rolling or folding them to create a visually appealing presentation. Add a few chunks or slices of blue cheese, making sure to leave some space for the other elements.

To enhance the flavours and create a well-rounded platter, consider adding some sweet and tangy elements. You could include a dollop of fig butter or jam, a drizzle of honey, or even some fresh figs if they are in season. These additions will not only taste delicious but also provide a beautiful contrast of colours on your platter.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and add some extra touches to your creation. A few suggestions could be scattering a few nuts like pecans or walnuts, adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even including a small dish of olive oil for dipping. Remember, the key is to create a balance of flavours and textures that appeal to your taste buds.

So, there you have it! Blue cheese and prosciutto is a delightful pairing that can be enjoyed with fig and olive crackers. By following these tips and adding your personal touches, you can create a delicious and impressive snack that's sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your own cravings.

Manchego or other ewe's milk cheese

Fig, olive, and honey crackers are a crunchy, subtly-flavoured cracker that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. While some people enjoy these crackers on their own, others recommend pairing them with soft cheeses such as goat's cheese, brie, or triple crème cheese. However, if you're looking for a more distinct flavour, Manchego or any other ewes' milk cheese is the perfect match for these crackers.

Manchego is a firm, aged Spanish sheep's milk cheese with a buttery texture and a nutty, tangy flavour. It is named after the La Mancha region of Spain, where it has been produced for centuries. The flavour of Manchego varies depending on how long it has been aged, with younger cheeses having a milder flavour and older cheeses taking on a sharper, more piquant taste. When paired with fig, olive, and honey crackers, the sweetness of the fig and honey complements the nutty flavour of the cheese, while the salty olives provide a delightful contrast.

Other ewes' milk cheeses can also be paired with fig, olive, and honey crackers. These cheeses are known for their creamy texture and range of flavours, from sweet and mild to strong and tangy. Like Manchego, ewes' milk cheeses will balance the flavours of the crackers, enhancing the sweetness of the fig and honey while providing a savoury contrast to the salty olives.

When creating a cheese board with fig, olive, and honey crackers, consider including a variety of ewes' milk cheeses at different ages to provide a range of flavours for your guests. You can also add some fresh figs, honey, and nuts to complement the crackers and cheese. For a more substantial offering, include some charcuterie, such as prosciutto or salami, or a spread like hummus or olive tapenade.

Whether you choose Manchego or explore the diverse world of ewes' milk cheeses, your fig, olive, and honey crackers are sure to be a delicious and elegant addition to your next gathering.

Frequently asked questions